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Lock In

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( 70,778 ratings, 6,984 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Lock In by John Scalzi, a near-future world is grappling with the effects of a global pandemic, leaving a significant portion of the population "locked in" their bodies, fully conscious but unable to move or communicate. This has led to the creation of technology that enables these individuals to interact with the world through robotic avatars. The story follows an FBI agent navigating through societal and technological challenges, uncovering deeper conspiracies as they investigate a mysterious murder.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by futuristic settings and complex narratives that blend crime thriller and science fiction. The story explores a world where a virus has left many people "locked in," experiencing life through robotic avatars, and unravels a thrilling mystery centred on crimes committed in this unique society. With intelligent commentary and fast-paced action, it's perfect for those who appreciate thought-provoking and imaginative tales.

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Lock In

Imagine a plague that incapacitates almost 1.7 million people - and now imagine a cure that is even worse.

Imagine a plague that incapacitates almost 1.7 million people - and now imagine a cure that is even worse.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Fifteen years from now, a new virus sweeps the globe. 95% of those afflicted experience nothing worse than fever and headaches. 4% suffer acute meningitis, creating the largest medical crisis in history. And 1% find themselves 'locked in'—fully awake and aware, but unable to move or respond to stimulus.

1% doesn't seem like a lot. But in the US, that's 1.7 million people 'locked in'... including the President's wife and daughter.

Spurred by grief and the sheer magnitude of the suffering, America undertakes a massive scientific initiative. Nothing can fully restore the locked in. But then two new technologies emerge. One is a virtual-reality environment, 'The Agora', where the locked-in can interact with other humans, whether locked-in or not. The other is the discovery that a few rare individuals have brains that are receptive to being controlled by others, allowing those who are locked in to occasionally 'ride' these people and use their bodies as if they were their own.

This skill is quickly regulated, licensed, bonded, and controlled. Nothing can go wrong. Certainly, nobody would be tempted to misuse it, for murder, for political power, or worse...

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Lock In by John Scalzi is praised for its concise and impactful storytelling, offering a gripping tale that combines offworld adventure with political intrigue. The plot is noted for its precise execution, leading to an exciting climax. Scalzi's work is often compared to the entertaining style of Stephen King, though it stands uniquely captivating in the science fiction genre.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780575134355

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 August 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 202.0mm

Weight: 268g

Pages: 336

About the Author

John Scalzi is the author of several SF novels including the bestselling Old Man's War sequence, comprising Old Man's War, The Ghost Brigades and the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling The Last Colony. He is a winner of science fiction's JOHN W. CAMPBELL AWARD for Best New Writer, and he won the HUGO AWARD for Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded, a collection of essays from his popular blog, Whatever. His latest novel, Redshirts, hit the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller list in its first week on sale. He lives in Ohio with his wife and daughter.

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